Copyright Live 5 News WCSC
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) - South Carolinians are bringing awareness to the fight against one of the state’s most devastating cancers. On Tuesday, Gov. Henry McMaster proclaimed November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month in South Carolina, joining lawmakers, survivors, and those who have lost loved ones to the disease at the State House. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the state and one of the most diagnosed cancers. Advocates and state leaders urged South Carolinians to get screened if they have ever been smokers, go to the doctor if they have a persistent cough, and seek a second opinion and additional treatment options if they have been diagnosed. “If you feel like you have some type of pain going on, don’t brush it off,” said September Craft, whose son, Tylee, died in October of last year. Tylee was a standout football player in Sumter who was recruited to play at the University of North Carolina, and his mother said the support he received following his diagnosis from people in both Carolinas helped him fight for more than two years after his diagnosis. Speakers at Tuesday’s event also noted even people who have never smoked can still get lung cancer, including Tylee Craft, and they said it is too often diagnosed in the late stages. “There’s tools in our toolbox. We have to use them. So we have to close that gap so we can make sure we can use them so all the people can benefit,” former NFL player Chris Draft said. After his wife, a non-smoker, died from the disease in 2011, Draft became an advocate in the fight against lung cancer. The event at the State House was organized by J.J. Gentry, who works in the South Carolina Senate. Gentry, a non-smoker, was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer three years ago after experiencing a persistent cough he initially thought was a long COVID symptom. After a doctor told him he had six to 16 months to live, Gentry sought a second opinion. That doctor tested him for and diagnosed him with a specific type of lung cancer caused by a gene mutation, which Gentry said led to better treatments and ultimately a better outcome. In addition to the governor’s proclamation, the state Senate and House of Representatives passed a joint resolution earlier this year, also declaring November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month. McMaster said he looks forward to a day when South Carolinians can receive the top cancer treatments in the state, without needing to travel out of state for them.
